HB216 Summary

• Amends Section 26-14-3 of the Alabama Code to add paid and volunteer firefighters to the list of professionals required to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

• Requires covered professionals to report orally by telephone or direct communication immediately, followed by a written report to a duly constituted authority.

• Establishes that when reports are made to law enforcement, the official must subsequently inform the Department of Human Resources so it can provide protective services as deemed appropriate.

• Protects employees from retaliation by public or private employers for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, with violations constituting a Class C misdemeanor as of August 1, 2013.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor, or upon otherwise becoming law.